Haiti

FIRST STAMPS Britain 1869.

FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 1 July 1881.

CURRENCY

1881, 100 centime = 1 gourde or piastre.

Western part of the island of Santo Domingo (Hispaniola). For early history
see under the Dominican Republic. Republic of Haiti was founded in 1804,
but it was not until Jean-Pierre Boyer became president in 1818 that any
stability resulted. In 1821 the island was consolidated and remained a
single unit until 1844 when the Dominican Republic became independent.

Postal markings were introduced in the 1760s but these were largely
undated. A public mail service did not operate until 1808-9. Britain and
France recognized the sovereignty of Haiti in 1825. A packet agency was
established at Jacmel before 1840. British PAs were established at Jacmel
in March 1866 and Port-au-Prince in June 1869. Both closed in 1881. British
stamps were authorized for use in 1869 and were obliterated E53 (Portau-
Prince) or C59 (Jacmel). French PAs at Cap Haitien and Port-au-Prince used
French stamps from 1865 and 1876 respectively. These were closed in June
1881. Haiti issued its own adhesive stamps on 1 July 1881, the day that the
republic joined the UPU.

Republic was torn by political strife in the early part of the 20th century
and in July 1915 American troops were sent to the island. American troops
remained until August 1934 and the US maintained control of the revenue
until 1947.

Postmarks have been recorded from less than 40 offices since Haiti took
charge of its own affairs.

ANGUILLA - 1967 AIR LETTER. RARE UNFOLDED & UNUSED air letter 'Independent Anguilla' overprint in red on St. Christopher Nevis Anguilla 15 cent green on blue air letter, H & G FG2, Only a handful known to survive of the original 100 printed. Wonderful example of one of the scarcest of all air letters.